Discover the new Taco Bell Cantina experiences in Los Angeles

The vibrant city of Los Angeles has recently welcomed two new Taco Bell Cantina locations, each offering a unique twist on the traditional fast-food experience. These establishments, located in Downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood, promise to be more than just places to grab a quick bite. They aim to become integral parts of their respective communities, blending local culture with the beloved Taco Bell menu.

Downtown Los Angeles: A Tribute to the City’s Music Scene

The Taco Bell Cantina at 801 West 7th Street in Downtown Los Angeles is a custom-designed, L.A.-themed location that pays homage to the city’s rich music culture. The space features vintage concert posters on the walls and two large LED panels that play music videos from the company’s Feed the Beat artists, a program that includes over 1,900 bands on its roster. This unique atmosphere is designed to create a memorable dining experience for guests.

In addition to the classic Taco Bell offerings such as burritos, tacos, and quesadillas, this Cantina location features a full bar. Guests can enjoy mixed drinks, freezes, and the famous Bottoms Up Beer system. The restaurant operates daily from 7 AM to 3 AM, catering to a wide range of dining needs, from breakfast to late-night cravings.

“We are excited to honor L.A.’s rich music culture in our new Downtown L.A. Cantina and offer a unique space for families, friend groups, and fans to create memories,” said SG Ellison, CEO & President of Diversified Restaurant Group. The grand opening celebration, held on July 25, featured a special guest appearance from Ian Shelton, lead singer of Militarie Gun, and offered the first 50 attendees a chance to win a custom Taco Bell-wrapped electric guitar.

Hollywood: A Blend of Art Deco and Modern Fast Food

The new Taco Bell Cantina located at 6741 Hollywood Boulevard brings a touch of Art Deco elegance to the fast-food chain. The restaurant features chandeliers, a light-up marquee over the bar ordering counter, and ornate handicraft on the building, which was previously the historic Pickwick bookstore. This location aims to attract both locals and tourists with its unique blend of style and convenience.

Customers at the Hollywood Cantina can order their favorite Taco Bell items through digital kiosks and enjoy their meals at the bar, under vintage framed photos, or by the window overlooking Hollywood Boulevard. The menu includes the usual tacos, Crunchwraps, and other staple Taco Bell fare, along with a selection of alcoholic beverages. This Cantina is the first of its kind in L.A. County, adding to the 150 Taco Bell eateries already operating within the county.

The Hollywood Cantina is strategically located within a “no vending” zone, where street vendors are banned from selling their own tacos, hot dogs, and other foods. This restriction is currently under legal scrutiny, with potential changes that could impact the local dining scene. Incoming city council member Hugo Soto-Martinez is working on loosening vending restrictions within city hall, which could further transform Hollywood Boulevard into a more pedestrian and retail-friendly area.

Innovative Dining Experiences and Community Engagement

Taco Bell’s Cantina locations are known for their innovative approach to fast food, combining the convenience of quick-service restaurants with elevated dining experiences. The Hollywood Cantina, for example, offers a flexible format that allows guests to order through kiosks and purchase Taco Bell merchandise while waiting for their food. This model has proven popular in other tourist-heavy areas, such as Las Vegas, and is expected to attract a similar crowd in Hollywood.

“We are excited to be part of L.A. history with the continued expansion of the Cantina concept,” said Mike Grams, Taco Bell President and Global Chief Operating Officer. “Our flexible formats bring iconic Taco Bell experiences to fans across America, made possible by strong partnerships with franchisees and the best restaurant teams.”

Mark Reed, Owner of C&R Restaurant Group and one of Taco Bell’s franchisees, echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are continuing to push boundaries and innovate for our communities, offering elevated dining experiences from quick-service restaurants. We believe the new Hollywood Cantina will become a guest favorite.”

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to visit Los Angeles, the new Taco Bell Cantina locations offer a unique blend of local culture and fast-food convenience. Whether you’re a music enthusiast looking to enjoy a meal surrounded by vintage concert posters or a tourist seeking a stylish yet affordable dining option in Hollywood, these Cantinas are worth a visit.

Travel Tip for Occasional Travelers: When visiting the Hollywood Cantina, take some time to explore the nearby attractions such as the Walk of Fame and the historic Musso & Frank Grill. These iconic spots offer a glimpse into Hollywood’s rich history and are just a short walk away from the Cantina.

Travel Tip for Expert Travelers: For those who have already experienced the main tourist attractions, consider exploring the evolving dining scene in Hollywood. With potential changes to street vending laws and ongoing efforts to make the area more pedestrian-friendly, Hollywood Boulevard is poised to become an even more dynamic and exciting destination.

In conclusion, the new Taco Bell Cantina locations in Los Angeles are more than just places to grab a quick bite. They are vibrant, community-oriented spaces that offer a unique blend of local culture and fast-food convenience. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these Cantinas provide a fresh and exciting way to experience the flavors and spirit of Los Angeles.